Franklin Cudjoe, the Founding President of IMANI Africa, a prominent policy think tank, has offered pointed advice to the leadership of Ghana’s opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP): temper your criticisms of the current administration with an acknowledgment of your own shortcomings during your time in power. Cudjoe argues that while the NPP has the right, and even the responsibility, to hold the government accountable, their criticisms must be delivered with humility and a recognition of their own past failures. He emphasizes that the nation’s progress hinges on moving forward constructively, not dwelling on past missteps, even while learning from them. This, he believes, requires a more nuanced approach from the NPP, one that balances critique with self-awareness.
Cudjoe’s sentiment resonates with other influential voices in Ghanaian society. Sampson Lardi Anyenini, a respected media personality and legal practitioner, echoes the concern that the NPP’s complaints often lack credibility due to their own similar actions while in government. Anyenini suggests that the public’s immediate reaction to the NPP’s criticisms is often one of dismissal, fueled by the perception of hypocrisy. This, he argues, undermines the NPP’s ability to effectively contribute to national discourse. He implies that true accountability requires self-reflection and an admission of past mistakes, a step the NPP seems reluctant to take.
The NPP, having recently relinquished power after governing from January 2017 to January 2025, has embarked on a campaign criticizing the incumbent administration led by John Dramani Mahama. Their critiques encompass a range of issues, including the dismissal of public sector employees recruited during the transition period following the December 7th general elections. They have also raised alarms about alleged attacks on journalists and what they characterize as unwarranted military raids on the homes of former NPP appointees. These actions, according to the NPP’s 2024 presidential flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, bear unsettling resemblances to a military takeover, a sensitive accusation in a nation with a history of military interventions.
The NPP’s concerns, while potentially valid, are overshadowed by their own record in government. The criticisms levied by Cudjoe and Anyenini suggest a widespread perception that the NPP engaged in similar practices during their tenure. This creates a credibility gap, making it difficult for the public to take their current criticisms seriously. The irony of the NPP now condemning actions they themselves allegedly undertook creates a sense of hypocrisy, further weakening their position. This dynamic highlights the importance of consistency and accountability in politics, particularly in a nation striving to consolidate democratic norms and practices.
The current political climate in Ghana underscores a fundamental challenge faced by many democracies: holding those in power accountable while maintaining a level of civility and constructive engagement. The NPP’s approach, characterized by what some see as selective outrage, risks undermining the very principles they claim to be defending. By failing to acknowledge their own past actions, they weaken their moral authority and diminish their effectiveness as a credible opposition force. This creates a polarized environment where meaningful dialogue and progress are difficult to achieve.
Moving forward, the NPP faces a choice. They can continue down their current path, risking further alienation and irrelevance. Or they can heed the advice of figures like Cudjoe and Anyenini, embrace self-reflection, and adopt a more nuanced approach to holding the government accountable. This would involve acknowledging their own past shortcomings, engaging in constructive dialogue, and focusing on solutions rather than simply assigning blame. Such a shift would not only strengthen their credibility but also contribute to a more productive and less polarized political landscape in Ghana. Ultimately, the responsibility lies with the NPP to choose a path that serves the best interests of the nation and strengthens its democratic institutions.
